Chapter 34 She Who Must Be Claimed

• Lyra's POV
• The servant girl led me to my room in silence. My legs were weak, trembling with exhaustion and dread, but I kept walking. I was used to pain now. My body knew how to obey even when my spirit wanted to collapse.
• Inside, the room was large and dimly lit. She poured water into the marble pool in the corner, sprinkling rose petals that released a soft, heady scent. It should’ve been calming. Soothing. Maybe even beautiful. But to me, it felt like a funeral bath.